Ginza Events February 2026: Setsubun,Food Festival, Illuminations & Best Things to Do in Tokyo
The reason for updating the article is the growing interest in tours that allow visitors to enjoy Japanese food culture and delicious dishes. As these tours gain popularity, Magical Trip's tour, which ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor, has been receiving numerous applications.
For those interested in traditional Japanese cuisine, join the "Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza," where a knowledgeable local guide will take you to their highly recommended Japanese restaurants. While enjoying Wagyu and sake, your local guide will teach you proper dining etiquette and the best ways to savor each dish.
If you want to enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine in Tokyo, consider joining one of these tours. With expert guides who know Tokyo inside and out showing you their recommended restaurants, you'll have an unforgettable Japanese dining experience.
・Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku（ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor）
・Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything Ueno has to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!
Introduction
The average temperature in Tokyo during February ranges from 5°C to 7°C. While it's still a cold season, according to the traditional Japanese calendar, it marks the beginning of spring. In Tokyo, plum blossoms start to bloom, giving subtle hints of the approaching spring.
Ginza is one of Tokyo's premier shopping districts. This glamorous and upscale area is home to luxury brands and long-established department stores. It's also known for its numerous restaurants and nightclubs.
In February 2026, Ginza hosts various events that travelers can enjoy. We'll introduce essential information about events aligned with traditional Japanese celebrations like Setsubun, Valentine's Day festivities, and illumination events that add sparkle to Ginza's streets.
If you're planning to visit Ginza in February 2026, we encourage you to participate in these events to enhance your Ginza exploration experience.
2026 Year-round Event calendar in Ginza↓
・Ginza: List of Events & Festivals for 2026
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Traditional Events in Ginza: February 2026
Setsubun
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese spring festival. According to the traditional calendar, it's celebrated around February 3rd, marking the transition from winter to spring.
A major feature of Setsubun is "Mame-maki" (bean throwing). The main event involves throwing roasted soybeans at someone playing the role of an oni (demon). The demons represent bad luck and misfortune, and driving them away symbolizes ensuring a healthy and peaceful year ahead. Additionally, throwing beans inside the house is believed to invite good fortune.
In February, "Mame-maki" ceremonies are held in homes and local shrines. It's a lively event that both children and adults can enjoy.
Suginomori Shrine (Near Nihonbashi)
Source:Facebook
Suginomori Shrine is located in the Nihonbashi area near Ginza. Known for enshrining Ebisu, the god of fortune, it's famous for bringing good luck.
While it's a relatively small and quiet shrine, the Setsubun festival here is actually a highly popular event. Many people gather in its compact grounds. It's an important spring tradition continued by Ginza residents and workers, praying for good health throughout the year.
The evening bean-throwing ceremony is the main highlight. Shrine priests and local community members throw lucky beans and small candies to the gathered crowd.
Catching these beans or candies is said to bring good health and luck for the year ahead - I myself tried hard to catch some candies last year!
As this is a popular event, crowds are expected. If you want to fully participate in the bean-throwing ceremony, we recommend arriving slightly before the start time to secure a good spot.
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Date: February 3, 2026 (tentative)
Access: 5-minute walk from Ningyo-cho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line
5-minute walk from Kodemmacho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Admission: Free
Website: http://suginomori.g2.xrea.com/
"Setsubun Obake" (Setsubun Ghosts)
Source:GINZA 1 CARAT
Setsubun Obake is a traditional custom that has continued for hundreds of years. It involves dressing up as ghosts on Setsubun day to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
Ginza is also known for its numerous nightclubs. Following this tradition, nightclub staff in Ginza have adopted the custom of wearing special black kimonos or unique outfits different from their usual attire on Setsubun.
In recent years, it has become a cultural trend for tourists to explore the streets wearing elaborate costumes on Setsubun Obake day. At Ginza 1 Carat beauty salon, you can rent special kimono sets that transform you into a glamorous geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha).
This includes both kimono dressing services and traditional hair and makeup styling.
However, as regular customers cannot make reservations on Setsubun day itself, please book for the following days. Why not create memorable Japan travel experiences by participating in this traditional event wearing a beautiful kimono?
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Date: From February 4, 2026
Access: Ginza Carat Sony Street Store
-3-minute walk from Shimbashi Station Exit 3 or 5 (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
-4-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station Ginza Exit
-7-minute walk from Ginza Station Exit B9 (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Ginza, and Hibiya Lines)
Fee: Varies depending on costume and hair arrangement (Please inquire)
Website: https://1carat.jp/%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A7%E3%81%AE%E7%AF%80%E5%88%86%E3%80%8C%E7%AF%80%E5%88%86%E3%81%8A%E5%8C%96%E3%81%91%E3%80%8D/
Enjoy Traditional Japanese Food When Visiting Ginza During Setsubun Season!
Setsubun features traditional meals and sweets customs.
The most representative is "Ehomaki," thick sushi rolls. These rolls should be eaten while facing the lucky direction of the year.
They're made with white rice, cucumber, sweet omelet, shiitake mushrooms, and other ingredients wrapped in nori seaweed. The Ehomaki from the famous Ginza Mitsukoshi department store is particularly popular every year. During Setsubun season, Mitsukoshi offers various types of elaborate Ehomaki.
There's also a tradition of eating traditional Japanese sweets during Setsubun. These include "Fukumame" (lucky beans) used in bean-throwing, manjū, and konpeitō (sugar candies). At the long-established Japanese confectionery shop Ginza Akebono, specially packaged cute Setsubun sweets become popular items every year.
It's said that eating these lucky foods on Setsubun brings good health for the year ahead. When in Ginza, be sure to try the popular Ehomaki and Setsubun sweets.
Hina Doll Exhibition
Source:Official website
Like Setsubun, another traditional Japanese spring celebration is Hinamatsuri on March 3rd, a festival celebrating the healthy growth of girls.
During Hinamatsuri, there's a custom of displaying elaborate Japanese dolls called "Hina-ningyo." Even adults feel uplifted seeing these dolls, making it a cheerful event heralding spring's arrival. At Ginza's famous Japanese confectionery store Sōhonke Gen Kitchōan, these dolls are prominently displayed as part of their regular spring decoration to share Japanese traditional culture with guests.
The highlight is the luxurious Hina-dan (doll platform) display on the store's second floor. During Hinamatsuri, intricate dolls representing princesses, princes, and musicians are arranged on a tiered platform covered with red cloth. Enjoy this large-scale Hina-dan prepared by this established confectionery shop, which you won't see elsewhere.
Also, note the charming hanging "Tsurushi-bina" dolls suspended from the ceiling.
Admission is free, and photography is permitted. This is a highly recommended spot for those wanting to capture quintessentially Japanese spring photos.
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Date: Usually from January 16 to around March 6 (exact start and end dates TBD)
Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Ginza" Station Exit A3
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kitchoan.co.jp/
Tokyo experiences many cold days in February due to winter storms, making it the coldest month of the year. However, I recommend bar hopping to tourists even in the cold weather. The cold actually heightens your taste buds, allowing you to better appreciate the rich flavors of Japanese alcohol and cuisine.
Japan also has a culture of "hot sake." When Japanese sake is warmed, it becomes smoother on the palate and its rich flavors are enhanced.
If you'd like to experience winter bar hopping and Japanese sake, try joining one of the tours below, where local guides who know Tokyo's izakayas inside and out can take you to beloved neighborhood establishments.
・Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza
・Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Special Experiences Only in Ginza for February 2026
Japanese Tradition and Light Winter Festa
The Japanese Tradition and Light Winter Festa is an illumination event held in Ginza during the winter season.
Historically, the Tsukiji River used to flow through Ginza, where traditional lanterns were floated during the Setsubun season. Honoring this history, Japanese-style illuminations and night events are being held around Higashi-Ginza Station. This event aims to help both domestic and international visitors enjoy Ginza while preserving traditions.
The highlight is the illumination using traditional Japanese umbrellas. Visitors can enjoy light art expressing Japan's historical beauty at the entrance of the high-rise Ginza Shochiku Square building.
The fantastical scenery created by Japanese umbrellas and lights makes for excellent photo opportunities. I was able to capture many beautiful photos myself.
Various spots in Higashi-Ginza feature illuminations themed around traditional lanterns and different "Japanese-style" motifs. Be sure to explore Higashi-Ginza landmarks such as the Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza Shochiku Square, and Togeki Building.
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Date: November 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Special Event: "Japanese DJ Night" on February 14, 2026 (at Ginza Shochiku Square)
Access: 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station Exit 5
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.higashiginza-area.com/event/%E3%80%8E%E5%92%8C%E3%81%A8%E5%85%89%E3%81%AEwinter-festa%E3%80%8F%E9%96%8B%E5%82%AC%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8A%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B-%EF%BC%88we-will-hold-a-winter-festa-of-japanese-illumination/
Flower Aquarium Gala ~Goldfish and Flowers Exhibition~
Source:Official website
"Flower Aquarium Gala ~ Goldfish and Flowers Exhibition ~" is an immersive exhibition where you can soak in the beauty of Japan right in the heart of Ginza.
Beyond simply admiring goldfish swimming in aquariums, the entire space incorporates floral colors, lighting effects, and Japanese design elements to create an extraordinary atmosphere.
My personal favorite is the display of goldfish swimming in Kutani ware vessels. Kutani ware, known for its colorful painting techniques, showcases exquisite craftsmanship within its splendor, beautifully accentuating the graceful movements of the goldfish.
Since the vessels themselves are works of art, it feels less like viewing an aquarium and more like watching "living craft pieces."
If you want to experience the beauty of Japan woven through flowers, goldfish, and traditional crafts, this Ginza event in February 2026 is definitely worth visiting.
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Date: November 28, 2025 – February 25, 2026
Access: Directly from Exit A7 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line)
Admission: Web-exclusive ticket 2,500 yen / Same-day ticket machine 2,700 yen
Website: https://artaquarium.jp/news/detail/202411276020/
Ginza Meishoichi
Source:Official website
JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS, GINZA ARTISAN'S STREET brings together artisans from approximately 90 production areas across Japan, offering an event where you can enjoy traditional crafts not just through shopping but also as an experience.
Items such as lacquerware, ceramics, dyed textiles, and metalwork are displayed, allowing you to appreciate the luster, texture, and weight that photos cannot convey.
You can speak directly with the artisans, ask about materials, care methods, and usage tips, and make purchases with full confidence.
From everyday tableware and accessories to once-in-a-lifetime tools, there are discoveries to be made, and the time spent searching for that perfect piece becomes enjoyable in itself.
At this event, I encountered a sake cup that intuitively captivated me the moment I held it. Since then, every time I use it, I feel the comfort of handcrafted work, and I have thought many times, "I'm so glad I bought this."
If you are looking for authentic Japanese souvenirs, this Ginza event in February 2026 is a must-visit.
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Date: February 18–23, 2026
Access: Directly connected to Exit A12 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://meishoichi.kougeihin.jp/
GINZA Winter Illumination
Source:PR TIMES
GINZA Winter Illumination transforms the Ginza garden into another world through lights.
Deep green lights gently illuminate the trees and ground, creating a tranquil atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city center.
An interactive light installation is set up in the center, with light patterns that change in response to people's movements. When you stand still, the lights calm down; when you start walking, they spread like waves, making the same spot look different each time.
Using approximately 25,000 LED lights and 3D mapping technology, the color and brightness of the lights are finely adjusted, making the light transitions very natural.
I found myself staying longer than expected because I enjoyed seeing the scenery change along with my movements.
This spot is easy to visit before or after shopping or dining, so please stop by during this Ginza event in February 2026.
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Date: December 6, 2025 – February 17, 2026
Access: 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/ginza/shops/other/event/christmas_02-01.html
Ginza Gourmet Events - February 2026
GINZA COFFEE FESTIVAL 2026
Source:Official website
GINZA COFFEE FESTIVAL is a coffee celebration that showcases Japan's coffee culture from the heart of Ginza.
Top coffee shops, kissaten (traditional Japanese coffee houses), and baristas from across Japan gather here, offering cups crafted with care from bean selection to roasting and brewing.
One of the highlights is being able to try different roast levels such as light roast and dark roast, and to hear directly about the origins and brewing methods.
You can experience flavors from shops that are usually too far to visit, all in one place in Ginza.
Walking through the venue, comparing aromas, and enjoying a cup on the spot is something unique to this event.
I am looking forward to this event because it seems like a great opportunity to try types of coffee I would not normally choose.
Whether you are a coffee lover or simply want to experience "Japanese kissaten culture," this Ginza event in February 2026 is highly recommended.
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Date: February 16–23, 2026
Access: 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/event/ginza_e/coffee_51
Ginza Sweets Collection 2026
Source: Official website
Ginza Sweets Collection 2026 is an annual sweets event held at Ginza Mitsukoshi.
In 2026, under the theme "Chocolate Sweets on the Journey," approximately 50 brands from 13 countries will gather to showcase their unique chocolates and sweets.
This is a rare opportunity to enjoy flavors from popular brands from France, Belgium, Japan, as well as Northern Europe and Asia, all in one place.
During the event period, limited-edition items and new releases exclusive to this event will appear, so you can discover products that are "only available here."
This is not only a must-see for sweets lovers but also perfect for finding gifts for someone special.
I look forward to discovering new brands and flavors every year at this Ginza event in February 2026.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to visit.
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Date: January 21 – February 14, 2026
Access: 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/event/ginza_e/sweets_collection_51
Enjoy Top-Class Sushi in Japan with Locals When You Visit Ginza!
If you want to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in Ginza, one of Tokyo's premier gourmet areas, the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" is highly recommended.
At Michelin-starred restaurants or highly rated establishments on Japanese gourmet sites, you can savor sushi hand-crafted by artisans right before your eyes and freshly fried tempura.
With commentary from a local guide, you will gain a deeper understanding of the culinary culture that developed in Edo (present-day Tokyo).
High-end sushi and tempura restaurants have unique rules and etiquette, which can be somewhat intimidating for first-timers.
However, with this tour, an English-speaking guide will properly explain the etiquette and how to enjoy the experience, so you can relax.
Please note that this tour does not accommodate dietary requests such as vegan or gluten-free options.
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Meeting Point: In front of Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi near Exit A8 of Ginza Station
Tour Area: Ginza
Start Time: 15:30
